Paul’s appearance is magic!

MAGIC man Paul Daniels is returning to his native North East to pull a rabbit out of the entertainment hat.

Paul, who is originally from Middlesbrough, will be one of the headline acts at the South Tyneside International Magic Festival, when it returns for the 10th year in March 2013.

The week-long event, organised annually by South Tyneside Council and magician Martin Duffy, will feature a series of public performances at the Customs House, South Shields, as well as a three-day convention designed specifically for practicing magicians and the most dedicated magic fans.

Paul and his wife Debbie McGee, who have supported the festival since its launch in 2004, will compere one of the event’s signature Gala Shows on Friday, March 8, introducing a line-up of renowned magicians from around the globe.

Coun Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “The South Tyneside International Magic Festival is celebrating a landmark year in 2013 and we’re extremely thrilled to have one of our biggest supporters on board to help make it even more special.

“Paul and Debbie are national treasures and we can’t wait to welcome them back home to the borough.”

Paul, now 74, first rose to fame in the late 70s with the launch of The Paul Daniels Magic Show on BBC 1.

Since then he has fronted numerous TV series, including game shows Odd One Out and Every Second Counts and performed live around the world.

The multi-award winning performer, who has entertained audiences including The Royal Family and The Sultan of Brunei, has also starred in his own West End Theatre Show, headlined in Las Vegas and on Broadway and designed special effects for stage and screen, including productions of Cats, the Phantom of the Opera and the movie Return to Oz.

l Tickets to see Paul and Debbie at the South Tyneside International Magic Festival’s Gala Show are available from the Customs House on Tel. 454 1234 or www.customshouse.co.uk, priced at £13 each or £12 concessions, with special offers for block bookings.

l More details about the festival’s other events, such as the three-day convention, which includes entry to Paul’s VIP reception, can be found at www.southtyneside.info/magic or by calling Tel.424 7987.